Homeland heroes: Couple recognized by Croatian community for promoting culture
Sep. 21—FARRELL — A local couple is being recognized for their efforts to promote Croatian culture, with state and even national officials sending commendations.
During the annual picnic Saturday at the Croatian American Civic Club in Farrell, Rose and Fred Husnick of Brookfield — longtime members of the club who have been involved with multiple musical groups over the years — were surprised in multiple ways.
Before the Veseljaci band began its performance, Second National Vice President Mike Ricci of the Croatian Fraternal Union presented the Husnicks a citation from the CFU.
State Rep. Parke Wentling, R-7, Hempfield Township, also made a presentation, giving the couple a Pennsylvania flag and another citation.
The Husnicks received additional citations from Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, and state Sen. Michele Brooks, club member Janet Buzzeo said.
The Husnicks' granddaughter Zoe and daughter-in-law Carla presented the couple with flowers, courtesy of the Veseljaci and the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 126, located at the club.
More than 50 people who knew and worked with the Husnicks wrote the couple letters, and a memory book covered in a tapestry from the Posavina region was given to the couple as well, Buzzeo said.
According to the club's information, Fred and Rose both learned early in their childhoods to to play various instruments found in tambura ensembles, along with the songs and dances of their culture.
Fred and Rose received full scholarships to Duquesne University, where they performed with the Duquesne University Tamburitzans. Rose's singing talent earned her the title of "The Girl with the Golden Voice" while Fred was known for his "virtuosic performances and lightning fast fingers on both the prim and the brac, the two lead instruments in the tambura ensemble."
The couple married and raised a family while continuing to promote Croatian culture through ensemble performances, working with both adult and children's groups, teaching dancing and choreography and keeping alive many of the traditions they learned as children, the information states.
The couple have more than 10 recordings and are both members of the Tamburitzan Hall of Fame, and the couple passed their love of music and culture on to their children and grandchildren, many who later attended Duquesne University and continue to perform in Croatian ensembles.
"They have tirelessly worked to not only teach the various adult and student performing groups, but have also spent hours keeping their Croatian culture alive and the club thriving," the information states.
"Rose is known for her amazing hand-pulled strudel and has passed this knowledge down to many who endeavor to keep this art going, as well as many other delicious ethnic dishes that are featured at the many picnics and gatherings held at the club through the years."
There was also plenty of Croatian food and music throughout the picnic, and a performance by the professional band "Zabava," Buzzeo said.
In other news, the Croatian Fraternal Union will be hosting its annual adult and youth Tamburitza festival, called Tamfest, in Zagreb, Croatia, next June.
Buzzeo said Veseljaci members plan to organize a series of fundraisers leading up to the festival, with more information to be announced in the future.
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